Judges Critique

BMD CLUB OF IRELAND OPEN SHOW 12th June 2011

I would like to thank the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Ireland for inviting me to judge their Open Show which was held in conjunction with the Midlands Canine Society Open Show at Annaharvey Equestrian Centre, Tullamore on 12/06/11. There was a very good entry on the day and I wish to thank all the exhibitors for entering. I would also like to thank my capable ring steward Mary McNally who kept things running smoothly on the day. There was a great atmosphere around the ringside on the day, which was not dampened despite the heavy rainfall. The club had put a lot of work into the show and had erected a large tent on the day which was very useful for the exhibitors to shelter under and there was lots of food available there too. It was lovely to have some champagne and strawberries after judging was over!! I enjoyed my day judging despite the heavy rainfall.

Baby Puppy Dog1st Scully’s Moyannabern Prince Monty. Still a bit raw and as one would expect his head has not yet fully developed. He had good bone for his age and overall a nice puppy and moved OK.

Junior Dog1st Dunne’s Tiramisu Zielone Sciezki. Nice strong masculine head for his age, good stop, nice eye shape and colour, good spring of rib. Would have liked more front angulation. Moved OK. 2nd Mahon’s Forestrun Boy. Not as mature as class winner, nice head, good bone, nice spring of rib, nice overall shape, moved OK.3rd O'Neill’s Carraigbern A Hard Days Night.

Intermediate Dog1st Dunne’s Igorr Van’t Maroyke Jun Ch. Medium sized dog, nicely balanced head, good eye shape, well off for bone, good spring of rib, good reach of neck, rich tans. Would like more drive in front. Overall a very nice dog.

Open Dog1st Benson’s Patrick De La Galea at Bernervalley. Above medium size for a young dog, has excellent breed type. Broad head with good stop, kind, dark, correct eye shape, good reach of neck, good ear set. Nice depth to chest and brisket, good spring of rib, good markings. Well off for bone, good broad and strong hind quarters, well bent stifles. Nice black coat and moved very well. Very well presented and handled and will have a bright future. Pleased to award him Best of Breed and he subsequently won the Group and went on to win Best in Show.2nd Erskine’s Carraigbern Handsome Harley. Another dog of excellent breed type, of medium size. Good masculine head with good stop, good strong muzzle, good ear set. Good spring of rib, level topline which he held on the move, good angulation front and rear. Well off for bone and moved well. Well presented. Reserve Best Dog.3rd Bergin’s Sire The Absolute Beaut.

Veteran Dog1st O Neill’s Rickamore Rover. It was very nice to see this 8 ½ year old dog in the show ring and he seemed to be enjoying the day out. Nice make and shape but he is showing his age. He has adequate bone. Would have liked a more almond shaped eye and was a bit sluggish on the move.

Baby Puppy Bitch1st Butler’s Siansela Miss Anja. A well proportioned girl for her age and is of nice breed type with feminine head which is developing nicely, good dark almond shaped eye. Nice level topline which she held on the move. Nice markings throughout. She moved well and is very promising.2nd Curley’s Moyannabern Maggie Mai. Another nice baby puppy with nice make and shape, good bone for her age, dark tan, not as mature as class winner. She is a little raw at present and would like a better stop. Moved OK.

Puppy Bitch1st O Callaghan’s Ridgewater Kinda Kute. Well constructed girl for her age with nice feminine head which is maturing nicely with good dark eye. Of medium size, good spring of rib, nice dark tan, good topline. Well presented and moved well.

Junior Bitch1st Dunne’s Tiblisi Zielone Sciezki. Nice typey young bitch with strong feminine head, good strong muzzle, good length of neck. Overall a nice bitch with good rich tan and moved well. Would have preferred a darker eye and tail set a little high.2nd Tull’s Brogholme Moonchild. Below medium size, short coupled bitch with nice attractive feminine head. Good spring of rib, good bone. Nice markings but a little overweight which affected her movement.3rd Bergin’s Kilcombe Angel.

Intermediate Bitch1st Shield’s & Byrne’s Ridgewater Belgian Queen. I liked this girl very much. Of excellent breed type and of good substance and conformation for such a young girl. She has a very strong head and a very nice sweet eye. Good shoulder placement, good spring of rib with strong broad hindquarters, good bone. Well marked and she moved well. Reserve Best Bitch.

Open Bitch1st Butler’s Siansela Amazing Grace Jun Ch. A very nice bitch of medium size with excellent breed type, conformation and substance. She has a lovely feminine head with correct dark almond shaped eye. She has good angulation front and rear, good spring of rib, level topline which she held on the move, nice short hocks, was well presented and moved well. Best Bitch and Reserve Best of Breed.2nd Marrow’s Carraigbern Has To Be You Jun Ch. Another nice bitch of medium size with a feminine head, darker facial markings which slightly took from the overall expression. Good dark almond shaped eye, good ear set. A little narrow front on, good bone and moved well.